Next is one of those words that can bring a sigh of relief or it can drive fear deep within the heart of a person. It all depends on who is saying it, with what purpose, and in what tone.
We all find ourself waiting from time to time — sometimes it feels like constantly waiting — looking forward to, or dreading whatever is next. Until we reach our final reward that comes with Jesus stating, “well done good and faithful servant”, there will be something yet to come. Living life as an obedient follower of Jesus requires that we live with care and diligence in the present while constantly keeping our eyes fixed on the future — on the “author and perfecter of our faith”, Jesus Christ.
When I was ordained into ministry, my good friend and mentor gave me some great words of advice and encouragement. He told me that whatever I find myself going through, good or bad, God would use it to prepare me for whatever is next — even if, and maybe especially if, next is face to face with Him. Often though, I have a great deal of influence on how well I’ve learned the lessons and how prepared I really am for what is next.
I’ve thought a lot about this as I’ve been preparing to speak at a Master’s Men meeting being held on April 11 at Michiana Christian Service Camp. At our previous meeting, it was announced that Master’s Men would need new leadership if it was to continue. Since that time, God’s Spirit has had me thinking about this subject of next. I think that next raises some important questions that each of us would do well to consider. Here are some of them to think about:
- Who, and what, has been a part of the preparation for where I am now as an individual?
- What is my current situation, experience, and training preparing me for as an individual?
- Considering the groups I have been involved with, what has been the preparation to bring them to where they are now?
- Considering those same groups, what are they currently going through that may be preparing them for what’s next?
- If individually I am being prepared for what’s next, how observant and involved am I in preparing someone for what I am currently doing?
- If I am part of the leadership of a group, how can I effectively prepare the group for what’s next?
- As a leader, how involved am I in preparing the next leaders?
These are some of the questions that I hope to raise and potentially address as I speak at Master’s Men on Monday evening. More importantly, I think these are questions that you and I would do well to consider on a regular basis and then act upon them as God gives wisdom and direction.
Praying that not only are you and I being prepared for what’s next but that we are serious about paving the way for those who come behind us so that they are better prepared for the next in their life.
